19 September 2016
And the crowds asked him, “What
then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share
with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax
collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we
do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not
extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with
your wages.” Luke 3:10-14 (NRSV)
Good
evening, welcome. Today’s lectionary jumps from John over to Luke, Vs. 1:1-4,
3:1-14. The passage focuses on John the Baptist. Luke introduces John with a
quotation from Isaiah, taken from a section that promises comfort and
restoration to Israel. The prophet of old was promising Israel restoration
after exile. Luke tells us the newer prophet promises restoration from a different
exile. But birthright alone is not enough for this restoration; having the Law is
not enough. This new restoration requires repentance and renewal. Renewal
requires real change.
Common,
everyday people have come to John seeking renewal. In baptism they have, in a
sense, recommitted their lives to God. What to do now? John offers three
practical examples of what the fruits of repentance look like in everyday life.
Be generous; share what you have with those in need. Be honest in your business
dealings; charge a fair price, pay a fair wage; don’t be greedy. Do not abuse
your power; treat people fairly. Be satisfied with your wages. Jewish tax
collectors-and they were all Jews-were not held in high esteem; they could
charge whatever they wished in taxes above what Rome required, and pocket the
excess. They were hated, but they were wealthy. Roman soldiers were generally
regarded with fear and contempt. Isaiah had said all flesh shall see the
salvation of God; it is important to note here John offered this promise to all
who came.
John ‘prepared
the way of the Lord’ by pointing people to their need for a savior. Isaiah had
said obstacles will be removed. Everyone will see. As Christians today we have
the same mission; in a way we are fulfilling the ancient prophecy along with
John. We need to evaluate our behavior regularly-daily is not too often-to see
if we have been placing obstacles or removing them. Every unkind word, every
haughty remark, anything that lifts us up at the expense of another is an obstacle
for which we will be held accountable. Any act that would deny the grace of God
to anyone because of age or race or ethnicity or nationality or gender or
gender preference or anything else is placing an obstacle. So let’s make it a
point to keep the way clear. Discipleship follows, not precedes, conversion.
May the Lord bless you this day and protect you this night.
JRG
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